Date: Fri 26-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

health-district-restaurants

Full Text:

Health District Starts Enforcing New Code For Restaurants

Restaurant kitchens and delis with wooden shelves and floors may be quaint,

but they aren't allowed under the new state health codes.

The new state regulations enacted last year are being implemented locally by

the Newtown Health District, according to Kathleen M. Purches, the district's

director of environmental health.

"For example, all food establishments now must have handwashing sinks which

are separate from those used for purposes like washing pots or cleaning

lettuce," she said. "Food storage must be on commercial-grade wire shelving

and floors must have a non-porous cleanable surface."

The new codes apply to not only restaurants but also cafeterias,

luncheonettes, delicatessens and sandwhich shops, and to catering firms and

other places where food is prepared in bulk to be served later in individual

portions.

"We've started a restaurant improvement program to help establishments comply

with the code," Ms Purches said. "When deficiencies are found, an agreement is

worked out between the owner or manager and representatives of the health

district. The agreement includes a schedule for the correction of the

deficiencies and is signed by both."

Because the corrections are done over a period of months, it isn't

cost-prohibitive for the owners, she explained.

Some corrections might be as simple as painting storage area walls and

ceilings with a light-colored high-gloss paint. Other items, such as replacing

old wood flooring with tiles, are more expensive but making the improvements

in stages makes the work feasible, she said.

Last year, the health district adopted a food ordinance that incorporated the

provisions of the state health code. The code greatly expanded local

regulations and gives enforcement powers to local health officials. The

ordinance also requires the licensing of itinerant food vendors and temporary

food establishments such as those set up for the Labor Day Parade and the St

Rose Carnival.

Under the new ordinance, any food establishment's license may be suspended by

the health district for violations of the code. After providing an opportunity

for appeal, the health director may revoke a license for serious or repeated

violations of the ordinance or the state health code or for interfering with

local health officials in the performance of their duties.

Ms Purches said most food establishments have been very cooperative in efforts

to comply with the ordinance.

Another section of the ordinance, which will affect local businesses beginning

next year, requires that at least one employee be a "qualified food operator."

Food establishments such as restaurants and delis which have on the premises

exposed "potentially hazardous" foods that are cooked and served to the public

must, by August 1, 1997, employ at least one qualified food operator who is a

full-time supervisor. This person must demonstrate a knowledge of safe food

handling techniques by holding a current, valid certificate from an

organization approved by the State Department of Public Health and Addiction

Services.

Ms Purches said the health district plans to contract with a consultant to

offer at least one training course for qualified food operators before the

requirement takes effect.